8 Budget-Friendly Towns in Texas for Retirees

Many Americans are relocating for retirement. This significant life change requires financial considerations, including low house prices and rent, low crime rates, and access to good healthcare. The Lone Star State delivers many benefits for retirees, with the bonus of southern hospitality, where you can interact with welcoming, friendly, and polite individuals who make you feel cared for. This article will unveil eight budget-friendly towns in Texas for retirees.

Georgetown

Starting off the list is Georgetown. This town is conveniently located 28 miles from Austin, one of the state’s most popular cities. Georgetown isn’t too shabby either, hosting more than 15 points of interest, including the Georgetown Firefighters Museum, Palace Theatre, and Berry Springs Park. The latter is the town's prized gem, providing a calming escape with areas to hike, picnic, fish, and enjoy a serene bike ride. Additionally, it has leasable pavilions for those looking to camp for the night. For all your healthcare needs, Georgetown has four hospitals and multiple medical clinics. CrimeGrade gives this town an overall rate of a B- as the average rate of incidents is 25.3 per 1,000 residents, far below the national rate of 38.5. To make Georgetown your home, median listings cost $446K per Zillow, while average rent is $1.6K per RentCafe.

Fredericksburg

This charming town was recently highlighted as one of the best road trips to take in Texas. Fredericksburg is home to a vibrant arts scene, as there are more than 10 galleries to explore downtown such as InSight Gallery, Good Art Company, and Charles Morin Fine Art Gallery. The latter specializes in antique paintings depicting how Texas looked in its early days—and if you like what you see, you can even purchase the paintings. To see panoramic views of Fredericksburg, visit Cross Mountain and witness breathtaking vistas from 1,951 feet above sea level, in addition to hiking paths, picnic pavilions, and a butterfly garden. To enhance your quality of life through good healthcare, the Methodist Hospital/Hill Country and Mid-Texas Health Care are conveniently situated in prominent locations, with easy access to surrounding communities. As outlined by CrimeGrade, the rate of criminal acts is 29 per 1,000 residents, with the southeast part of town being the safest. The average listing in Fredericksburg costs $547K based on Zillow, while rent averages $2.1K per RentHop.

Granbury

Home to the famous Granbury Opera House and Granbury Historic Square, this cozy town is home to several scenic spots, including De Cordova Bend Park which sits by the banks of the Brazos River. Explore the historic square to shop in more than 60 unique boutique stores. Additionally, the plaza hosts multiple yearly festivals and events, like the upcoming Labor Day Weekend Festival from August 30 to August 31, consisting of sidewalk sales, street vendors, karaoke, and a boat parade. To address your healthcare needs, the town offers multiple walk-in clinics and Lake Granbury Medical Center/Emergency Room. For added peace of mind, the overall crime rate here is an excellent 20.34 per 1,000 residents as reported to CrimeGrade, with the northeast being the safest part of town. Retiring here will cost $353K based on Redfin’s data, while renters can expect to pay an average of $1.4K per month, as stated by RentCafe.

New Braunfels

New Braunfels is known for being a friendly and safe city with tons of top-notch amenities. Explore the Gruene Historic District to splurge in antique shops, or unleash a swing by the Landa Park Golf Course and the nearby Landa Park, a 51-acre riverside area with picnic tables underneath towering trees, an outdoor swimming pool, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Furthermore, New Braunfels flaunts an A- for crime data, with only 16% of US cities being safer according to CrimeGrade. New Braunfels is also home to two hospitals and over 15 medical centers. Per Realtor, becoming a local here will cost $416K if you’re seeking to buy, whereas rent is $1.4K based on RentCafé's latest figures.

Kerrville

Sitting 65 miles from San Antonio, Kerrville is a top-notch city for lovers of landscapes and rich culture. Kickstart your exploration by visiting the Museum of Western Art to see artifacts and exhibitions related to Western heritage. Additionally, the museum provides opportunities to participate in workshops, educational events, and programs. Alternatively, experience this town's scenic waters and hop in the Guadalupe River to beat the sun while kayaking. This community features two hospitals and two medical centers to meet your health needs, while boasting a crime rate of 32.32 per 1,000 residents. According to Zillow, settling here will require $358K if you’re looking to buy, while rent costs $1.5K per Zumper.

Boerne

Love historical sites? You’ll love this town. Boerne is the main gateway town to the Cascade Caverns, just 6.3 miles away. This millions-of-year-old limestone cave has attracted thousands of visitors since 1932 and presents unforgettable tours. Conversely, escape all the noise and enjoy some serene space by treking the Cibolo Nature Center, offering two campuses that cover more than 160 acres and extensive trails which run through five unique ecosystems. Finally, explore the Main Plaza, surrounded by multiple cafes and restaurants, including Black Rifle Coffee, Hungry Horse Restaurant and Catering, and The Dienger Trading Co. Addressing your medical needs is no cause for concern thanks to the Hospital Methodist, located conveniently on the precipice of the town’s border near the south. CrimeGrade gives Boerne an overall grade of B- thanks to a rate of 27.35 incidents per 1,000 residents, which is well below the national average. Given Boerne’s proximity to San Antonio, houses cost $558K according to Zillow, while renters pay $1.9K, based on Zumper’s data.

Waco

Sitting on the shores of Lake Waco, this town grants an affordable housing market and a low crime rate. Additionally, it offers a unique blend of history, culture, and recreation. For example, explore Woodway Park by Lake Waco and enjoy several amenities including its beach area, nature trail, and two pavilions. After you’re done, discover the fascinating Waco Mammoth National Monument to learn about the enormous creatures that roamed the planet tens of thousands of years ago. Not only does the site have life-sized fossils, but it also occupies 108 acres with tranquil nature trails to stroll through. To ensure optimal care, Waco has six hospitals and several medical centers to ensure residents have access to a wide range of services and specialists. Additionally, Waco has an average crime rate of 39.39 per 1,000 residents, with the northwest part of the city being the safest. Based on the 1,163 homes for sale by realtors, median prices stand at $309K, while the average rent is $1.3K as stated by RentCafe.

Temple

This town began its humble journey as a railroad stop 143 years ago. Its history can be examined at the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum, featuring permanent and rotating displays, workshops, and special events. Another perk of living here is its closeness to the scenic Belton Lake, an enormous reservoir where you can beat the heat by swimming, as well as camping, fishing, and enjoying a relaxing picnic. To provide quality healthcare, Temple built more than 10 hospitals, including a children’s hospital and multiple urgent care centers. According to CrimeGrade, its crime rate is a modest 29.38 per 1,000 residents, with most of the incidents happening in central neighborhoods. Make Temple your next home; median listings cost $320K per Realtor’s June 2024 data, while RentCafe’s data indicates current costs for an average apartment are $1.1K.

In conclusion, these towns offer a plethora of landmarks and amenities to enjoy. These towns offer access to top medical clinics and friendly residents, providing a safe environment to enjoy your retirement years. Whether you prefer taking a rejuvenating walk in Landa Park at New Braunfels or witnessing the latest masterpieces at galleries in Fredericksburg, these budget-friendly towns offer something for retirees of all stripes.